While an online dating can be a great way to find someone special, it can also be very risky.
Most online dating websites don't screen their members. Therefore, you have to be responsible for making sure that you don't become involved with someone who could be dangerous.
Here are some rules to follow so you can stay safe while dating online:
- Stay anonymous - Leave information that could reveal your identity - such as your last name, your phone number, or your address - out of your online dating profile. If you can, avoid sending emails and use a messaging service provided by the dating site instead. If you must send emails, make sure your signature doesn't have identifying information, or turn your signature off.
- Ask for a picture - If someone doesn't want to send a photo, it could mean that they have something to hide. However, this could just mean that they are trying to be safe as well, and are protecting their own identity until they feel that they can trust you.
- Speak to your potential date on the phone before meeting them in person. Although a phone call is not the same as a face-to-face meeting, it can tell you more about your potential date's personality and "people skills" than an email or a message in an online chat room. For your first phone call, try using a cell phone or a payphone. Don't give the other person your home phone number until you are sure they are trustworthy.
- Don't rush into a face to face meeting. Develop your relationship with your potential date online and over the phone before meeting them in person. Take as much time as you need to feel like you truly "know" the other person. If it seems like they just say the same things over and over, and never really open up, there's a good chance that they are hiding something. Remember that you don't have to meet someone face to face if you don't want to.
- Stay safe when meeting face to face. Even if your potential date seems trustworthy before you meet them, you still can't be sure what they will be like in person. Always meet in a public place. Before you meet, tell someone you trust who you will be with, where you are going and when you will be there. Take your cell phone with you, and always keep an eye on your drink.
Signs that a Potential Date Could Be Trouble
When you are getting to know someone new, whether online, over the phone, or in person, you should keep an eye out for these danger signs:
Dishonesty - Does the other person avoid answering your questions directly? Do they provide personal information - about things like their marital status, age, job or hobbies - that doesn't "add up"? Do they agree with whatever you say, and not seem to have any opinions of their own? Pay attention to your instincts. If you feel like they are lying or are hiding something, they probably are.
Controlling or aggressive behavior - Does this person try to pressure you (or other people) into agreeing with them, or doing whatever they want? Do they often seem angry or frustrated? Do they get into arguments often?
Meeting Someone from Another Country
People from two different countries can meet online and develop a successful relationship. However, you should always be wary of scams that are designed to rob you of your money. Don't trust someone who asks you to send them money for a plane ticket so they can come and visit you or to send them money for a visa so they can enter your country.
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